Nagaon (Assam), 01 March (HS): A devastating fire broke out at a private school in Rupahihat under Nagaon district on Sunday, reducing the school building to ashes and causing extensive property damage.

The incident occurred at Gyan Bikash Vidyapith Senior Secondary School, where flames reportedly erupted suddenly and spread rapidly across the campus. Eyewitnesses said the fire engulfed the entire building within a short span of time, leaving little scope to salvage property as thick plumes of smoke and high flames consumed the structure.

There are apprehensions that property worth crores of rupees has been destroyed in the blaze. However, no casualties have been reported in the incident so far.

Local residents alleged that personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services and SDRF were not present when the fire was raging. According to sources, the fire brigade reached the spot only after the building had already been reduced to ashes. Accusing the authorities of delay in response, agitated locals gheraoed fire officials and staged a protest at the site.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and further investigation is underway.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash